Mobile Suit Girls: Last Dance

[Aegis]

Hello, folks. ^^ How y'all doin'? ^^

With the coming of the new MSG RPG, and the premature end of the previous MSG in that other bar, and thus another RPG I never get to see to its end, that left quite a bit of a hole for a number of us players. Well, after a conversation over AIM with airmaster, and the need to just end things off on a good note, he came up with the idea of writing a story to the end of the RPG. With a bit more discussion and refinement, we thus agree to this idea. So here is how this will work:

To the players of the old RPG, this is the opportunity for you to bring a close to the story, and write up what happens to your characters in a nice, short fic. Some of our characters have multiple relations and reactions with other player characters and whatnot, so if you are to include another person's character in your ending (and I expect many of you to do that), it is of utmost importance that you speak to the other players first and discuss it with them before posting up your story.

Beyond that, let me give you the general ending of the story, and let you people work from there. There is quite alot to be interpretted from the ending, but I rather give you guys a nice degree of freedom to work with. All I ask is to communicate with others, and use some sense and responsibility so that none of the short stories will clash.

So... without further ado... I present to you:

***

Mobile Suit Girls: Last Dance

March 31, 2005 NC, the day before the April Fools Massacre… and the day of the second scorching. It was the downfall of the Moonrace government, and the finale to an anarchy of on Earth. Though the mighty corporation known as Yamato had fallen to the combined efforts of the AOL/UEG forces, the combined bodies of the spacenoid race, and the ragtag crew of the Shining Hope, a high price was paid for the cost of this new freedom. Bloodshed and fire scorched the Earth and outer space, as both MS Troopers and Hunters rained from the heavens, nearly reviving the long dormant War of Ages to all of mankind.

How fitting and appropriate of an end to this war, one would suppose.

The irony did not escape.

In spite of the disaster that befell the remaining people, for the first time in a very long time, there was hope. Hope the size of a mustard seed, but nevertheless, hope. With many of the old governing bodies wiped out, and weapons of destruction annihilated during the climatic battle, the shackles of oppression have been removed, and for once, people on Earth started to truly feel free. Pieces are put together, cities rebuilt to their former glory, lives have been reformed, voices are being heard, new leaders take centre stage, and the first steps to true understanding between people have been made.

It is far from a utopia, and much conflict still reverberates within the confines of space.

Yet even at its worst, there is still life. Even when it’s dim, there is still hope…

[Aegis]

Saki and Aya

~ Three weeks later ~

“Aya. Are you awake?”

Ah… the warmth. The comfort of a soft bed, fluffy pillow, and thick, warm sheets, made in just the right temperature, with an angel singing in her sleep. If only Aya didn’t feel so nauseated from the drugs, and had needles stuck up her arms…

“Aya?” the voice chimed again.

“Ugh…”

The Gundam Alex girl groggily opened her eyes, squinting at the light as she slowly awakened from her deep slumber. A plain little room with nothing but white, the bed being the only thing remotely interesting in an otherwise drab setting. Of course, all things considering, one shouldn’t be so picky when in a little remote hospital out in the middle of nowhere. It is certainly a huge improvement over living off a box.

“Take it easy, Aya,” the voice replied, assisting the patient up as the Alex girl slowly sat up on her bed. “How do you feel?”

Shaking off the drowsiness from her deep slumber, Aya turned to the direction of the voice, and smiled weakly at the girl.

“I feel much better, Saki,” Aya replied warmly to the Strike girl.

Saki smiled back at the Alex girl, and leaned over to give Aya a light peck on the forehead.

“Mmm… definitely feeling much better,” Aya remarked, which made Saki flush slightly. Aya laughed pleasantly at the blushing Strike girl, gazing longingly into her eyes. “Kawai.”

A bit ill-tempered, and rather pushy at times, but when she smiles, the whole world somehow feels lighter. That was all Aya could think as she watched Saki snuggle next to her.

“I love you, Aya.”

“I love you, too.”

“I know.”

“You never get tired of saying that, do you?”

“Never.”

Aya let out a low chuckle, and instinctively wrapped her arm around her lover for a light embrace. With the other arm, she ran her fingers down the silky tresses, the soft sensation tingling against her hands, then gently lifted Saki's chin up and gliding her fingertips along the smooth skin on her face…

Wait a minute…

“My… gosh…” Aya mumbled, as she lifted her arms off of Saki, stunned and in shock.

“What’s wrong?” Saki chirped, looking at Aya with concern.

Aya didn’t say anything, as she stared at her hands. Hands of flesh and blood.

Saki watched as Aya fixated her eyes on her forearms, and smiled. She gently pulled one of her hands towards her face, and snuggled her cheek into the Alex girl’s palm, feeling the smooth warmth within the soft skin.

“You like it?” Saki asked.

The Alex girl felt a lump in her throat, as her eyes moistened from emotion and lips quivered trying to express the words she felt. Unable to utter a single word, Aya did the only thing she could do to show her gratitude. She hugged her lover in a warm, tight embrace, and kissed her passionately on the lips.

“I… huh… you’re… uh… welcome…” Saki smiled between gasps, as Aya ran her arms along her back.

“We… huh… will marry… huh… have kids…” Aya replied, her lips still glued to Saki’s own, while fighting the urge to keep the tears from rolling. “Just like I promised.”

The Strike girl felt her heart uplifted, and allowed the tears to roll across her cheeks as she passionately hugged and kissed her now completely human angel.

No more bionic arms, no more cold metal, for the first time she felt complete, and with this new gift came a new chance. A new life for the two of them, and watching the women silently, the newtype, Fuschicho, watched with a smile on her face.

My work is done… Fuschicho thought. And now for everything else…

[dragonclaw15]

Great idea, Aegis...too bad Drake had only just joined...

[Aegis]

In your case, considering you were going to stay till the end, I'd like to see Drake's ending. ^^ It's those who signed up but never played, or those who just dropped off after a few posts that I'd be leery of. 'sides, it was really AM's idea. I'm simply his manslave. >=)

[Rose]

Aww, that was so sweet! WAI!








...Did he just say manslave? >>;

[Airmaster]

Ok time for me to add a bit to Saki & Aya's story =)

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Saki sat in a small chair in the large living space of their make shift home. Watching the rain hit the window and slid down. It was 3:41 AM and there she sat in her over sized blue night shirt and slippers waiting for a nice big bowl of ice cream. Which they were out of and she had sent Aya off to the store to get some.

The rain hadn’t let up for two days now and she felt bad about sending Aya out in such cold rainy weather. But it couldn’t be helped really, When she wanted ice cream it was up to Aya to get it for her. After all she was eating for two now, it’d been about 8 almost 9 months since she had become pregnant now and she felt and looked it.

Aya opened the front door and walked in dripping wet. “Your home!” she heard Saki say but knew she would not be greeted the same way she use to. “Yeah.. Sorry it took so long, But you didn’t tell me what flavor you wanted... So I got chocolate and vanilla..”

Aya dropped her wet jacket on the floor and would take care of it later, She also slipped off her shoes and headed to the kitchen to get a bowl and to put the unused ice cream away before it melts.

“So were you ok while I was gone?” Aya asked.

“I was fine Aya..” Saki replied.

Aya smiled to herself as she scooped some ice cream out of the container and into a bowl she got out from the cabinet. She once again looked around the small kitchen for where they kept the spoons and after finding it took the small bowl to Saki.

The Purple haired women turned and watched as Aya walked into the room and handed her the bowl.

“Thank you love..” She said as she took a spoon full of the cold treat.

Aya only smiled as she watched Saki spoon each scoop of the ice cream into her mouth.

“It’s no problem really, I got a little wet is all..” She replied.

After finished her treat Saki curled up in the small chair.

Aya got up and took the bowl and took it to the kitchen. After setting it in the sink she stood there for a moment and thought about the past 8 or so months of time. Thought back and only smiled.

She returned to the living room and was about to say something when she saw that Saki was asleep in the chair.

She could only smile as she carefully picked Saki sleeping form up and carried it back to their bedroom.


--------------------------------------------------------------------

[Fireball]

ooc: Now to wrap up the Heather/Kristina story.

"Heather are you okay?" Kristina asked, putting a hand on her friend's shoulder. The girl was still staring shocked at the bloodied room. Kristina couldn't blame her, considering what had happened and all.

She and Cybrionne had reached LA quickly only to find that Heather's ubduction was well known. The local crime leader had been using for "entertainment" and had been generious to his friends with her. The two soldiers had immediately looked for clues on the home of the crime lord. When they found it however, things got messy.

Kristina had burst open the door to see a beaten Heather being raped by her ex boyfriend. A brutal gunfight had errupted, in a not so clean effect. All the gang members lay dead, Tamaki Naia shot through the head.

"Kristina...Thank you for coming to save me. I-I was loosing hope that someone would..." Heather tried to say, still staring blankly.

"Come on, we'll get you back to the ship, Cybrionne is outside."

"I can't. No more death, please! Just take me to Atlanta and leave me there, please. I just don't want to fight anymore," Heather said, rising to her feet.
***
Liv looked around at the masses of her crew. They were amazing people. She did miss Cybrionne though. He was very nice. Liv took a deep breath and sat down in her chair on the bridge. She had finally gotten over Malek.
***
Alec smiled in Millicent's estate. She was probably still on earth, leaving him this great life. The top brass sure made great plans.
***
Eliard Damodred sadly looked as the woman was wheeled away. He turned to the doctor, obviously angry.

"What is Eve's status?"

"S-she'll be fine in a few months sir."

"You had better hope so."

[Aegis]

FB, I don't mind you completing the Heather/Kristina arc and all. In fact, keep that story up there for happiness sake. What I am looking for, however, is what happens to the characters after the end of the RPG itself in a short story or two. Otherwise, we might as well have been continuing the RPG from where we left off rather than write up these stories.

[Fireball]

No problem Aegis. Just wanted to write what happened and all. I'll write the final part later.

[Cybaster]

And....my turn.

* * *

Cyb and Souffle --- The Last Phoenix[/u]

New Mexico, three weeks later

It had been in New Mexico that most of everything happened to the Shining Hope, facing constant attacks from Yamato, AOL Remnants and other villains, with three members of its crew kidnapped and two betraying the ship. Now, three weeks after the final battle, it was fitting that New Mexico became the place where Souffle Reeds wrapped one final detail up.

Souffle buried Nebin Cybrionne there.

Underneath the blazing New Mexico sun, the red-haired, small-framed Phoenix Gundam MS Girl by the name of Souffle Reeds stood desolately on the particular barren hill where the Shining Hope had landed before; as she stood, reminiscing about her one-time foster father, the eternally young Souffle could only try in desperation to keep from crying again. It was scary to live in a world without Cybbie; it was even scarier to imagine one without him...

At least, however, she wasn't alone. Standing with her to Souffle's left, also in front of the single marble gravestone that marked where Cybrionne rested in peace, was arguably the veteran MS Trooper's one-time and only love --- purple-haired Hi-Nu Gundam trooper Yumi Sonchiro, Yamato's former 'Black Fox'. Perhaps for once, the new Yumi was likewise solemn; the more outgoing self that she had discovered was deathly silent, Souffle and Yumi holding onto each other's hands in comfort. Yumi was the closest Souffle now had to family --- whether Souffle wanted her to be or not, but Souffle trusted Yumi implicitly by now. After all, if Cyb believed in her...

"Yumie?"

Yumi turned to Souffle quickly, blinking once. "What is it, Souffle?"

Souffle's eyes, Yumi could see, were both longing and desolate at the same time, as if Souffle had both prepared for Cyb leaving her and wished that he would never do so. The girl whimpered a little as she voiced her question. "Did you love Cybbie when he was...you know, Yumie? Like I did?"

The first reaction that Yumi had was surprise, sadness and instinctive defiance, blinking blankly at Souffle's question: How...how is this any of her business!? Yumi gasped mentally, more surprised than actually angry. I know Cybbie's the closest thing the poor girl had to family, but should 9-year-olds really know these things? How are these girls maturing so quickly all of a sudden...!? Once that had passed, however, Yumi's features softened once more towards the girl; she realized that, all in all, Souffle had a right to know no matter what was said and done.

If only it wasn't so dismal thinking about it, however, about Cyb being one of the only two things she had to live for when she returned to the Shining Hope, about how she still liked him even after she had briefly returned to Yamato and her brother, about how they were so close to making through the final battle together only to have that b*stard Jerid Alright take Cyb away from her and Souffle, perhaps this would've been easier on Yumi altogether. Even though we're almost a decade apart on the age department, he didn't really mind as long as I didn't. That Cybrionne, always so tender outside of fighting, Yumi frowned to herself, shaking her head. Damnit, Cybbie, why'd you and Cho have to die? Why'd you have to let Jerid kill you off!?

All in all, however, Yumi knew the answer, and while she didn't know where Souffle was going with this question, Yumi was going to be as truthful about it as possible. It still wasn't easy. "...Yeah," Yumi replied, giving Souffle a soft sigh. The grip on Souffle's hand tightened. "I did. Like you did, Souffle, maybe even more. I don't really know, though..." Sometimes I wonder if he ever valued me more than he valued you. Sometimes I felt so jealous of you, Souffle...

Souffle's next words made Yumi realize that she was better off not answering that question: "If...if you don't want me with you, Yumie...I can leave."

"What!?"

"I...I know Cybbie isn't coming back, and I know you're...only with me because I loved Cybbie. I can go, Yumie, you and Miss Wei-Li won't have to worry about me," Souffle lowered her head, avoiding Yumi's gaze. "I can try to take care of myself. I can find a job, and I'll be okay...you don't have to worry about me at all..."

Souffle's words startled even Yumi Sonchiro. It was scary how resigned Souffle seemed to be that she was going to be alone and yet, she was amazed at the same time at how mature Souffle had grown in Cyb's care. In the time Yumi was back with Cho, she remembered Cyb telling her, Souffle had grown a lot; she became more independent, helping around the ship, and undertook combat training so Souffle could help Cyb bring Yumi back --- Souffle even actually fought with the ship in the end and helped Cybrionne save Heather from Los Angeles! Of course, Yumi didn't quite believe it then, but now, seeing Souffle, she had to. And yet, Yumi knew that Souffle was only trying to be strong, that the girl was still so fragile in a world without Cybbie...

Souffle didn't even know if she could make it with Yumi in a world where Cybrionne didn't exist anymore. How could Souffle survive alone? "Souffle," Yumi knew her answer again. "You're a strong girl, but you don't have to be alone."

You won't have to be alone again, Yumi, Cybrionne had told her before his final sortie, I'll be right here. Whenever you need me, I'll be here for you. You never have to face your problems alone, remember that...

"B-but Yumie, I thought..."

"Look at me, Souffle." Yumi said sternly, causing the girl to whimper and look up at her. The Hi-Nu Girl paused for a moment to give Souffle a lopsided look before continuing. "Cybbie didn't want to be with me only because he pitied me, and I'm not staying with you because I had no choice. I want to take care of you, Souffle. I want to start over. And you don't have to be alone, you don't have to face your problems alone. Now don't talk like that anymore, okay?"

Souffle nodded. "And I want to stay with you, too, Yumie." She replied innocently. "I won't give you or Miss Wei-Li any trouble..."

"You better not."

For the first time in three hours, Yumi Sonchiro smirked mischeviously at Souffle Reeds.

"And Yumie?"

"Yeah?"

And then, floating into the air until Souffle's eyes were at the same height as Yumi's, the Phoenix Gundam girl leaned forward and hugged Yumi tightly. Normally it was a sight that Yumi was not accustomed to; who would want to hug the Black Fox? If it was anyone else but Souffle or Shade, in fact... "Thank you. I'm sure Cybbie felt the same way about you."

Yumi hugged back, merely letting Souffle float there while, under the sun, Cybrionne's gravestone glittered back at them:

Here lies Nebin Cybrionne,
Veteran of the UEG,
Brave Warrior
And Endearing Father:
You won't have to be alone again
Because the Phoenix will make your memories live on.
We'll miss you dearly, Cybbie.

Souffle Reeds, erected AM (After Massacre) 0005

Hey, don't worry about a thing anymore, Cybbie, Yumi thought to herself, revelling in Souffle's embrace. You're right; I don't have to face my problems alone anymore. I'll take good care of Souffle for you, and make sure she doesn't have to, either. Just...kick Jerid a good one in the 'nads for me, will you?

"No, Souffle," Yumi Sonchiro replied, and both she and Souffle Reeds were together once more. "Thank you."

-Cyb

[Fireball]

OOC: Okay here is the final part for me.

IC: Atlanta, Three weeks later

Heather looked out from the balcony of her room. She took out a picture from the Shinning Hope she had saved. It had Wind and her smiling. Heather smiled at the picture. With a sigh she ripped it and dropped it off her balcony. She was going to start a new life. A peaceful life.
***
Kristina looked at Soufle and Yumi, smiling a bit to herself. She turned to face the person next to her. Winnie "Shade". She hugged the chamelion trooper, smiling.

"Take care of her okay? She's been through enough already," Kristina said, sincerely.

"Of course. I'll make sure that you get out of the city safely. After that...you're on your own," Winnie replied.

"Thank you Shade. And do me and a favor: hit Camilla for me, please?"
***
Liv smiled, hugging her partner. The Gerbera Tetra trooper Davey de Rochefort kissed her back, pulling her naked body closer to his.

"How are you doing Captain?" he asked with a smirk. He was happy to have taken the time to share a coffee with his commander. She was really nice and all. Besides, it was good to find love in war. All they had to worry about was when the Lunarions would make there move. That meant Alec Orome, their former commander. Knowing him he was probably being lazy in splenduer.

"I'm fine sexy," Liv said laughing as she kissed him again, taking a sip of wine while she was at it.
***
Eliard Damodred looked at the sleeping woman in front of him. She was beautiful in her slumber he thought. Eve would be okay, that was certain. When she was healthy everything would be fine.

[Mega Raptor]

New Mexico, four weeks later

A lone figure in a black trenchcoat stepped out of a cab that had stopped in the middle of nowhere. The driver wasn't sure why they'd come this far, but his fare had the money to get there. And from the looks of things had even more money left.

The figure reached in and grabbed a box from inside the car, and walked out to a recently placed headstone before reading the inscription on it. It had taken time to find the exact place. He knew that a small group of women had brought a coffin out here, and then returned without it. It had just been a matter of finding the exact location.

"So, this is where you ended up..." he whispered to himself, shaking his head a bit.

"Damnit... boss, you know I was never any good at this kinda thing, but here it goes," the man cleared his throat.

"Cyb, you were always a good friend to me, even when I was being a total dick. Well, especially when I was being a total dick. You understood me better than I understood myself, and you just let me be... I guess I should thank you for that. There were some things I just had to learn on my own, even though it took a lot longer that way."

He sighed, staring at his feet, "Well Cyb, I'm sorry about the betrayal and all... I know now that wasn't right. I should have stayed behind with all of you.. but I just didn't know better. But I'm going to make sure that kind of thing never happens again. I've destroyed my armor and changed my name again. With any luck I'll be able to fade into obscurity and let the real 'heroes' step up."

He looked back up at the headstone, smiling a bit, "And don't worry about Yumi and Souffle. I'm keeping an eye on them for you down here. I'll make sure that nothing hurts them. One of the benefits of what I did, I've got the finances to pretty much do whatever I please. I won't make the same mistakes again, and if I can I'll try to keep others from making them too."

He glanced back at the cab, the driver was getting a little impatient.

"Well, I better wrap this up. I've got a few things I want you to take care of for me, I don't really need them anymore," he set the box down next to the headstone, "And with that, I've gotta get going. See you on the other side, boss."

A sudden gust of wind blew the box open, inside were various pieces of identification, along with an empty service pistol. Twin ID patches from a uniform were caught in the breeze and carried away. One read "Lt. Toshiro Kude", the second simply said "Malek".

The man turned and returned to the cab, climbing into the backseat.

"Where to, Mr. Shinzeki?" the driver looked back over the seat.

"Take me back to the city. Heaven's Grace Clinic. I've got another friend there to catch up with."

The driver nodded, and turned the car around to drive back to civilization.

[Aegis]

Uh... Shade is no longer part of Yamato, and she is no longer a chameleon girl. Also should add that you don't need to follow the 'three weeks' I made.

****

Winnie and Yumi

“No! I won’t do it!”

Winnie trembled with anger as she paced on front of Cho, resisting the urge to punch the walls. The Sazabi guy simply looked on, his expression sombre in spite of the Chameleon girl’s tantrum.

“Winnie…”

“If you think I would look after that… that… b****!” Winnie stuttered, her frustration pushing her sanity to the breaking point. “No… just… NO! She may be your sister, but she is a greedy, power hungry, self-absorbed skank! She cares absolutely NOTHING about you! Only herself! Your precious ONEESAN once beaten the tar out of you, even drove you to the brink of insanity, because she thought you were a weakling! Expendable! She manipulated people in order to gain favour from sensei, ultimately to surpass the elders and gain all the glory to herself! I mean… wh-what do you see in her anyways!?!”

Cho quickly grabbed the girl by the arm, and jerked her towards him. In spite of her belittling of his older sister, Cho still held that same calm expression, completely devoid of any anger or malice. At that point, Winnie was afraid for her life, not knowing what to expect from her commanding officer.

“What do you see in me?” Cho asked calmly. Those last few words caught her off guard, as she scrambled in her mind to find the right words.

“I… I…” she stuttered, turning her face away from the Sazabi guy.

“All those things you said…” Cho continued. “Am I not either of those, too?”

“Y-you just do that because you miss your sister!” Winnie babbled. “The point is, I will NOT protect your sister! I will NEVER do it! Never!”

The Sazabi guy looked at his second-in-command, his sombre expression still not broken, and gently released her arm, much to Winnie’s surprise. What she then received was something she never would have expected at all, especially after the rage she threw against the Hi Nu girl.

“I… I understand…” Cho smiled, and gently kissed her on the forehead. It was not the usual sarcastic or devious smile he usually showed, nor was the kiss the usual forceful type he gives to any pretty face. It was soft, warm, affectionate, genuine… and sad.

It would be the last time that Winnie talked to Cho.

For days, Omega and the rest of the physicians worked almost tirelessly and non-stop, surgically removing damaged tissue and cybernetics from her body, particularly the skin, frantically repairing the damage from the various system failures and short circuits on her cybernetic body caused by the reactor shock. The chameleon armour, the major source of her power, ended up being both a hindrance, and a threat to her life, as the morpher implants caused serious burns and short circuits within the cells and organs.

Now, 2 weeks have passed since the initial operation. Lying in the bed of the ship’s sickbay with a tube attached to her arm, her physical beauty restored thanks to Omega’s quick work and timeliness, Winnie is alive and healing nicely from the wounds. Aside from the permanent loss of her morphing ability, the MS Girl and former Yamato soldier is now in stable condition, and only a few days from a full recovery.

On the outside, anyway.

As fatal as the wounds were, nothing compared to the scars she felt on the inside. Though a month or two had passed since that incident, the loss of Cho Sonchiro, her childhood friend, commander, and love of her life, still lingers painfully in her heart. It wasn’t his death that simply bothered her, although such an end against an insane and overbearing individual like Logan was painful enough. Logan had planned on wanting to ‘discipline’ the Sazabi guy ever since the two had met. Cho was not the type of individual to take discipline seriously, nor did he ever care about orders or the chain of command, values in which Logan follows with a passion. Indeed, such conflicts of interest would ultimately pit these two men against each other with violent consequences. She knew such an ordeal would happen, and even knew about Logan’s plan to trap the flamboyant trooper. In fact, it was because of this that tore through her the most. Because of her hatred for his sister, because of the grudge she had against the other Sonchiro that she allowed this to happen. Because she kept silent, she kept this news away from the man she loves, news that would’ve kept him from falling into Logan’s trap.

News that would’ve likely spared his life.

Yes, there were certainly good reasons for not trusting Yumi Sonchiro, especially after the amnesia she suffered through for the last few years. Logically speaking, she was a liability, a woman out for her own agendas. She trained Cho, changed him from the passionate, yet gentle soul that he once was, and made him a killer. Her hold over him was so strong, that it borderlined on insanity and obsession, one which would ultimately be the doom of both himself, and his team. Yet, in all this, what it really boils down to is this: Cho loved Yumi more than Winnie.

She often hid this fact behind the façade of truths and logic, yet deep down, she felt ignored by the man she sought comfort the most. And now, she loathed herself for this.

Pain, guilt, loss, anger, frustration, confusion, and various other emotions resounded in her soul, the thoughts and feelings thrown in turmoil within the conflicting core of both her heart and psyche, and reverberating within the room, its sensations felt specifically by one other individual in the room sitting idly next to her bed with arms crossed on her chest.

Yumi Sonchiro.

(to be continued)

[Aegis]

(...continued)

“Hey, Shade,” Yumi greeted the younger woman, trying to hold her smile. Winnie turned her head away from the Hi Nu Girl, unable took Yumi in the eye.

“Still as stubborn as ever,” Yumi sighed, and stood up from her seat. The Hi Nu girl absentmindedly took the bouquet of flowers in her hand, and arranged them in a vase on a nearby table. As the Hi Nu girl played with the flowers in the vase, Winnie also noticed at the corner of her eye a small, tin box sitting next to the vase. Winnie has seen that box many times, either carried by Cho during long travels, or sitting comfortably at one of his office desks, completely out of place compared to the rest of the décor. Cho’s good luck charm, as he called it. Why does Yumi have it? Stroking a lock of her hair nervously, Yumi spun around with a forced cheerful expression on her face.

“Doctors told me you’re feeling better today,” Yumi said, attempting to stir up conversation with the disgruntled Winnie. “They said you were lucky to even be alive, let alone fully recover. I mean… heh… the last few days have had some pretty good weather, and Omega told me it will remain that way for quite a while. When the doctors finally clear you to leave, I suggest going to this park I found during my scouting trip. It’s a very lovely place, filled with green grass, and, uh… trees… th-these flowers I picked up came from that park. I’m… I ‘m sure that someone like you can… uh… appreciate something like – “

“Why did you save me?” Winnie finally spoke up.

“E-excuse me?”

“Why… why did you save me?” she repeated, her voice nearly cracking with every utterance. “Mel coming to my rescue… I understand. But… why you? After what I did… after nearly getting you killed… What do you hope to gain from this?”

“Because… because…” Yumi stuttered, fidgeting with her hands. “Because… I made a promise… to look out for you.”

“What!?” Winnie glared at Yumi with wide-eyed shock.

“It was Cho’s last wish,” Yumi added, a single tear trickling down her cheek. “When sensei became more suspicious of his motives… he… he got… scared. He was afraid… of what Shinryu… and the elders would do to you… Wei… Shade… he loved you too much…”

Cho? Love… me? Those words echoed through Winnie’s mind, not believing a single word Yumi had said. The Hi Nu girl could feel the former chameleon girl’s steely gaze on her, realising the disbelief without even having to resort to her newtype powers. Of course, Yumi had something prepared for that. Gently picking up the metal box next to the vase, she quietly walked next to Winnie, and handed the container to her.

“After I made that promise, Cho gave this box to me,” Yumi said. “Open it.”

Winnie looked at the box suspiciously, then slowly removed the lid. What she saw inside made her hands tremble, as fresh new tears fell into the contents.

“This… this…” Winnie trembled, pulling out several pieces of paper and paraphernalia from the box.

“Funny…” Yumi said. “Funny… that his good luck charm… happens to be a bunch of scribbles and doodles from a pretty little Chinese girl…”

Winnie gently opened one of the papers in her hand, and gazed at the picture before her: an old crayon drawing depicting a girl and a boy standing next to a house underneath a flower-like sun. The boy being Cho, the girl being Winnie. The very first picture she ever gave to him, back during the days of innocence.

“He… oh my gosh… he… he…”

“Cho was never good at speaking about his true feelings…” Yumi added. “It’s why he always spoke to me… because when it’s all said and done… he was simply too shy, to ever admit his feelings to you…”

As Yumi spoke, her voice cracked and began to sob quietly to herself. Though she had accepted the fact that there was nothing she could do to save her brother, Yumi still felt a pang of guilt in her heart, eating away at her very being.

“They’re… they’re going to remember him… as a monster…” Yumi sobbed, hugging her knees tightly. “And… it’s all my fault… I… made him… that… way… all for the stupid sake of survival!”

Winnie watched, as the Hi Nu girl cried to herself, and felt the guilt in her heart sink even deeper than before as she pulled out another picture. This time, it was a more refined sketch, one done with greater attention to detail, a sketch depicting three figures, two women, and one man. The man being Cho, and the two women being Yumi and Winnie, all three of them together like one happy family, harkening back to happier days… when the three of them were the best of friends, before the anger, the jealousy, and bitterness broke them apart. She remembered the promise that Cho asked of her. She remembered the question she asked of Cho. What did he see in her sister? A cold, conniving, ruthless b****. She then turned to the sobbing Yumi and compared this pathetic, dishevelled, crying woman to the Black Fox she thought she knew.

“All those things you said…Am I not either of those, too?”

She never understood what he saw in her, because she was too blind to even notice. Cho knew of the bad in her sister far better than anyone else, and yet he didn’t care. He was devoted to her, because she was family. Devoted, just the way Winnie was to him.

Devoted, just the way Yumi was devoted to her brother.

“Oh gods, I miss him too much!” Yumi cried, burying her face in her legs. “Why did he die… why… why didn’t he try to escape? Why… WHY DID HE HAVE TO BE ATTACHED TO A B**** LIKE ME!? Why…”

Before Yumi could finish that statement, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her body, and a head lean against her shoulder, wet with salty tears.

“S-Shade – “ Yumi gasped.

“Not Shade…” Winnie said, and looked up at the Hi Nu girl. “It’s… Wei Li…”

[Cybaster]

Kouji and Jerid --- Bakunetsu no Hikari

Does the perfect ideal ever exist?

Kouji didn't know for sure. It was not easy finding the answer to this question; it never was, because nobody can make sure for the life of them that it even can be answered. And as much as he had resolved to try, there were still so many unknowns that could ruin a perfectly good day.

But Kouji had learned long ago not to try to know for certain; trying to do so had nearly cost him his life in the hands of Yamato ace Camilla Diamond. His belief in happy endings was strong then, but it was doubtful, unfocused; that belief had drawn out his Super Mode, but wasted his energy.

I had learned not to even ask; just keep running forward and do my best, and let the best come naturally...

That was what Kouji Kamishima, student of Toho Fuhai-ryu martial arts and former crew member of the Shining Hope, was doing, his person walking through the streets of New Mexico casually and looking for his next duty to come naturally. He inevitably drew attention to himself; Kouji's God Gundam armor, now around his body for most of his waking hours, was still scorched black in many places from one of the draconian Ryu's flamethrowers although the armor itself was otherwise undamaged. And beside him, trotting casually as well with Kouji merely letting her walk beside him, was his Mobile Horse, Fuunsaiki.

Fuunsaiki...Kouji smiled at that briefly, realizing that by the time Kouji had discovered Fuunsaiki's secret, the Mobile Horse had already grown too fond the name. A Mobile Horse constructed for specific use by his father before the April Fools Massacre, Fuunsaiki was in secret Kouji's very own mother, Miki Masuda; during the War of Ages, Miki was also his father's second-in-command before she was killed in battle, and to preserve her life Miki's mind was installed into Fuunsaiki so she could continue helping her husband after death. In a brief moment of dreaminess, Kouji turned to the incarnation of his mother that walked beside him; Fuunsaiki nuzzled his face, causing him to giggle. Although the time that Kouji and Fuunsaiki knew each other was very short, she was now indispensible to the boy, even if she wasn't family...

But the dreaminess was brief, and listening in to the conversations around him, from those who weren't looking at him, sobered Kouji quickly. The real world was indeed harsh, and even harsher was blatant ignorance...

"Have you heard? Is the New UEG really going to garrison this city...?"

"Why should I care? It doesn't mean my life's going to change any. It's not like they'll force me to become an MS Trooper..."

"We should never have let Yamato garrison itself here! The UEG'll slaughter us all for what Yamato did to them! That's the only reason the UEG even bothered, isn't it!?"

"Slaughter, kill, whatever. If the UEG's really going to do that, I'll just move."

Kouji frowned wistfully, the passersby otherwise oblivious. At this, the boy was forced to shake his head; the insensitivity of these people surprised him but, then again, this wasn't the Shining Hope. But was Jerid really right...?